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Hood River's small business owners who are unable to open are finding the remaining snow 'frustrating'

Even though the Portland metro area is now in clean-up mode after the winter storms, Hood River residents are still digging themselves out.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Even though the snow and ice may be melting throughout the Portland metro area, communities farther out like Hood River are still digging themselves out.

TJ Lambert said he's seen some pretty impressive storms living on Mount Hood, and this one is near the top: he got stuck in his car taking his daughter on a ski trip.

"A couple of years ago, we had it much worse — we had like four feet of snow," recalled Lambert. "So, this one's pretty bad; I've never been stuck before in my life, but here I am."

Small shops in Hood River are also having a tough time, such as Danielle Robertson, who owns an outdoor sports store in the heart of Hood River.

"It's frustrating," said Robertson. "It's nice to have a little snow in town but not for businesses."

Even though people aren't coming in now, Robertson said she is still counting on her community. 

"No customers for sure — we closed for a couple of days. We have a great community that will help support us," she said.

Just two blocks down, other shop owners were shoveling snow and hoping for business to return, like restaurant owner Ben Stenn. 

Stenn said he just opened back up Thursday to be safe.

"It was extremely quiet last night," said Stenn, "so, we're back open and streets look better. We welcome people who feel like they can get here safely."

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